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The error code 0x80071771 that reports a problem indicating that "the specified file could not be decrypted" is displayed for EFS (File Encryption System). EFS is an integrated encryption tool for Windows 8, 10 and other versions, which was developed for the security of people files.
The EFS function creates a standard cryptographic algorithm, which blocks the files that the system recognizes as not protected. Encrypted data is protected from the physical property of the computer, as well as from people with unauthorized access to the PC and files. However, EFS protection can be a big problem if the owner of the encrypted data does not have an adequate cryptographic key. If there is something really unusual then report it to Windows community, though this guide will completely solve your issue of this ERROR 0x80071771 The specified file could not be decrypted.
This type of file encryption is not secure if the user intentionally applies it to protect the files against unauthorized access. In other words, the encryption is transparent and the key is stored in the operating system, which means that it can be extracted.
Error 0x80071771 The specified file could not be decrypted
I tried to access the file after updating to Windows 10, but I received an error 0x80071771: the specified file could not be encrypted. I checked it twice and I am the owner of this file and I have all rights (right click> property> security> expensive). The file was created before updating to Windows 10, but I do not remember having encrypted it. Is there any way to determine how this file is encrypted? Better yet, is there an exit? Wait, if you are getting 0x800f081f error then we have a detailed guide to fix that.
Solution: It is more likely that the error codes you find are associated when you try to access files from removable devices created with different computers. To help isolate this problem, ask yourself the following questions:
- Are these files stored on a USB drive?
- Was the file originally created from another device where you tried to open it?
- Can you tell us what kind of file it is?
- Does the problem only happen with certain files or with other people?
How to fix Error 0x80071771 Step by Step
This problem is likely to occur if the file has been encrypted by the file encryption system (EFS). This is the default Windows encryption tool used to encrypt files and folders to protect against unwanted access. To solve your problem by accessing the files, we recommend that you use some decryption methods. Before doing this, you must have full permission to access the system files. To establish full control of your hard drive, follow these steps:
Before we go ahead, if your internet is getting used by Windows Updates then you must disable windows automatic updates and save lot of data.
Right-click on the drive letter that corresponds to your hard drive and select Properties.
Go to Security> Edit> Add.
In the section Enter the name of the object to be selected (example), type All and then click OK.
Click on Everyone and, in the Permissions for all section, check the option in Allow.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Open the Security tab again and then click Advanced.
Click on the Edit button on the Permissions tab, then type All and click OK.
Select the checkbox next to Change the owner of a sub-container and an object, and click Apply.
Open the Audit tab and then click Add.
Click on the Main Select button, type All and click OK.
Click Apply, and then click OK.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.
After that, do this decryption method:
Decrypt files or folders through the context menu
- Right-click on the file or folder you are trying to access, then click File Ownership and select Private.
Decrypt files or folders using advanced attributes
- Right-click on the file or folder you are trying to access and select Properties.
- On the General tab, click Advanced.
- Clear the "Encrypt content to protect data" check box, and then click OK.
- Click the radio button next to "Apply changes only to this folder" or "Apply changes to this folder, subfolders, and files" according to your preferences, and then click OK.
Decrypt files through a command prompt
- Run the command prompt as administrator.
- Type encryption/d "full file path with the extension" and then press Enter.
Note: Replace the "full file path with extensions" in the command provided with the current file path.
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If you try to encrypt or decrypt files using the default EFS Engine, unexpected errors force you to apply properties to the files. If you continue to receive errors, you can use the error code to find help to resolve this problem. Error 0x80071771, the specified file could not be decrypted. This message can help you.
Root Cause of Error 0x80071771
The main cause of this error is that the source file is encrypted or decrypted and cannot be read by the copy and paste function of File Explorer. In general, it can happen if you access files previously on other computers.
- First, see if you can decrypt files encrypted by EFS.
- If you can not, continue and control the file completely. To do this, open the File Explorer, right-click on Partition, and then click Properties.
- On the Security tab, click the button that says Edit ... When doing so, make sure that Everyone is selected in Groups or Username.
- Now the Permissions for All section will be activated. Make sure that all the check boxes for Allow are checked. Click on Apply
- Then click on the button called Advanced. A window called Advanced Security Settings will appear. Now click on the Change link for the Owners section.
- Enter your account name in the field and click Check Name to verify the name of the account, and then click OK.
- Select the option that says Change owner in the sub-container and the object. Click on OK
This is done, now in the Group or Username list, select Administrator and then Full Control in the Permissions panel for administrators. Click on OK.
FAQ for this Error 0x80071771
1) I tried to access the file after updating to Win 10 but received an error 0x80071771: The specified file cannot be encrypted. I have checked twice and I am the owner of this file and have full rights (right-click > property > security > advance). The file was created before I updated it to Windows 10 but I don't remember encrypting it. Is there a way to determine how this file is encrypted? Better yet is there a job?2) Another user asked saying - I have the same problem along with error 0x80070006, I have a folder with important documents. I remember that I tried to secure / encrypt this data two years ago. However, I thought it didn't work, because I could still access the folder normally without a password or anything.
Now 6 weeks ago I had to reset my computer. I save all data to an external drive, including this folder. I did not take special action for this folder, because in the folder settings it does not appear that it was really encrypted.
Now I want to copy the folder back to my computer, I can't copy the folder, I can't access any files. So it's still on the external drive and locked there.
I tried the steps described on the first page of this thread (giving access to everyone on my local drive, steps to decrypt). Nothing works.
I check the settings of files in the folder. Not for folders, but for single files people can really see that this is encrypted. The certificate, which is displayed in detail, belongs to my username and computer name before reset. Now after reset, the computer name is different and a message appears that the certificate is not available on this computer.
Is there anything else that can be done to decrypt files? Because this is actually an original computer?
3) The same problem Win 10 Pro See 1709 Build 16299.402. Once in place, install Win 10. Does not work. File and property names are visible, but they cannot access files and cannot be opened.
4) I tried to recover encrypted and private files that I transferred to an external hard drive from my old laptop and now I try to transfer them to my new personal laptop without much luck.
I have just now defragmented my computer. I followed the steps above when creating All and giving full access, but now the window says that I need Everyone's permission to access these files. I tried changing my username as an administrator, but I did not find my name in the drop down option. I really want to access these files for the application and I only spend 5 hours without results. Can you help me?
5) My file is stored in two external units. I have to update my PC's hard drive and update it to Windows 10 (thanks to Adobe). I was able to access these files last week, but I have to go back today, and now, suddenly, I can't access them anymore. I have tried all the steps described in the "fix" listed here by Microsoft staff, but it didn't work.
6) I formatted my laptop after I can no longer open encrypted files from an external hard drive. What can I do (I have a PCX file)
7) I had received this error "an error occurred applying attributes to the file the specified file could not be decrypted", What should I do?
8) While I was using my pen drive on my laptop, suddenly one message came saying "complete certificate request the specified file could not be decrypted". I found out on internet but did not help much. Please suggest step to fix this issue.
So solution provided above will answer all of your questions. Just make sure you follow each step and do not miss any. In in a few minutes you will get rid of this issue which mentions that the specified file is encrypted and the user does not have the ability to decrypt it.